Special Interests
The River Trails Park District offers numerous activities for youth and teens! Check out our current special interest class and Parkour Programs. Youth also enjoy our summer camps, dance and athletic programming.
Young Magicians
Join us for a fun night of magic and mystery! Magic tricks will be taught that include cards, coins, ropes, and much more! You will discover that the tricks are quick to learn and easy to perform. All materials are provided on-site. Each child will receive a magic kit at the end of class. Participants are grouped by age and learn age-appropriate tricks. New tricks are taught at each session, so sign up again and again!
Note: These classes take place at Arlington Heights Park District.
Location: Arlington Heights Park District
Age: 5-12yrs.
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Tuesday | 5-5:55 pm | Sep 19 | $25/$30 |
| Wednesday | 6:30-7:25 pm | Oct 8 | $25/$30 |
| Monday | 5-5:55 pm | Dec 11 | $25/$30 |
Chess Scholars
Develop your child’s intellect through the royal game of chess! Current research has shown a strong link between chess and academic performance in a variety of area, including mathematics and language arts. Chess has been proven to enhance children’s motivation, concentration, focus, social skills, and creativity. Each class will consist of fun, interactive teaching period and guided practice time. Both beginner and experienced players are welcome and will learn under the guidance of an experienced Chess Scholars coach. Note: There
will be no classes 10/31 & 11/21.
Location: Indian Grove School
Grade: K-5
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Tuesdays | 3:45-4:30 pm | Sept 5-Oct 17 | $140/$160 |
| Tuesdays | 3:45-4:30 pm | Oct 24-Dec 19 | $140/$160 |
SafeSitter Courses
Do you feel ready to stay home alone, watch your brothers and sisters while your parents are gone, or babysit for younger children? Safe Sitter® is for kids and young teens in grades 4–8 ready to learn the skills needed to care for themselves and younger children. Safe Sitter® also teaches young teens life and business skills to be prepared, responsible, and considerate whether they are babysitting or doing odd jobs for family, friends, or neighbors. You’ll have fun and learn a lot. At the end of the day, you can proudly say, “I am a Safe Sitter®!”
Safe@Home
Grade: 4-6
Location: Burning Bush Community Center
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Sat | 10-11:30am | Sep 30 | $36/$44 |
Intro to Safe Babysitting
Grade: 6-8
Location: Burning Bush Community Center
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Sat | 10-11:30am | Nov 4 | $36/$44 |
Robot Engineers
This course builds knowledge of simple machines, engineering, programming, and teamwork using the LEGO WeDo Robotics System, as students use
an intuitive, icon-based programming environment, helping to bring their model to life.
Ages: 7-12
Location: Mt. Prospect Park District
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Mon | 6-7:15 pm | Sept 18-Oct 9 | $93/$112 |
Intro to Robotics Programming
Bee-Bot, our robot friend, has a lot to share with us, not only on the floor but also on the computer. Young programmers will develop basic skills while practicing directional language, measurements, problem solving, collaboration and much more.
Ages: 5-6yrs
Location: Prospect Heights Park District
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Mon | 6-7 pm | Oct 16-Nov 6 | $86/$106 |
CSI- Crime Scene Investigation
Get ready to become part of the biggest crime scene of the century! Did you commit the crime or is it the friend sitting next to you? Help solve the crime using
digital microscopes to examine fingerprints, hair, powder samples, and more, that may have been left at the crime scene. The last class will end with the class participating in a crime scene activity. Which one of your classmates is the suspect in the case? Possibly, maybe…even you
Ages: 7-12yrs
Location: Burning Bush Community Center-RTPD
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Mon | 6-7:15 pm | Nov 27-Dec 18 | $93/$112 |
Children’s Theatre
A musical theatre workshop culminates in a showcase featuring age-appropriate excerpts! Students will learn the basics of vocal technique, choreography, and acting while working together to produce an in-class performance for family and friends. The showcase will take place during the last 30 minutes of our final class.
Grade: K-6
Location: Burning Bush Community Center
| Theatre Program | Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Trolls World Tour | Wed | 3:45-4:45 pm | Sept 6-Oct 18 | $130/$150 |
| Elf | Wed | 3:45-4:45 pm | Oct 25-Dec 13 | $130/$150 |
